Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2241)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyElectrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 67% of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $71,000. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$28.72
Median$42.16
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,910
Minimum$62,054
Median$97,293
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.
Job duties
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Design, develop and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and audiovisual systems, micro-electronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and networks, and computer software.
- Supervise the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards.
- Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments.
- Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists or engineers.
- Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems.
- Write specifications, schedules and technical reports and control schedules and budgets.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in the design, development and testing of electrical and electronic components, equipment, and systems.
- Assist in inspection, testing, adjusting and evaluation of incoming electrical, electro-mechanical and electronic components and assemblies to ensure conformance with product specifications and tolerances.
- Conduct life tests (burn-ins) on assemblies and record and analyze results.
- Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications.
- Carry out a limited range of technical functions in support of research in electrical and electronic engineering and physics.
- Install, operate and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems.
- Calibrate electrical or electronic equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions.
- Collect and compile operational or experimental data and assist in the preparation of estimates, schedules, budgets, specifications and reports.
Sample job titles
- computer hardware technologist
- electrical engineering technician
- electrical engineering technologist
- electrical power system technician
- electronic equipment maintenance technician
- electronic systems specialist
- electronics engineering technician
- electronics engineering technologist
- medical laboratory equipment repairer
- quality control technologist - electrical and electronics
Skills
For these jobs, you should be interested in technology and discovering how things work. Good mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and patience are necessary. You must be able to work under pressure and be able to collaborate and cooperate with others as part of a team. Effective oral and written communication skills are also important.
Job requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists.
- Completion of a one- or two-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technicians.
- Certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Other considerations
There is mobility to other related occupations such as technical sales, electronics service technicians, instrument technicians and avionics technicians. Progression to managerial positions in engineering, production or operations is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public Administration
Construction
Professional Business Services
Computer, Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing
Health Care and Social Assistance
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$59,757 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$59,796 median annual incomeHigh school
$51,694 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$54,022 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$49,530 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Computer engineering technology/technician - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of computer engineers engaged in designing and developing computer systems and installations. These programs include courses in computer electronics and programming, prototype development and testing, systems installation and testing, solid state and microminiature circuitry, peripheral equipment, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. These programs include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Electromechanical and instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Electromechanical and Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Energy management and systems technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing energy-efficient systems or monitoring energy use. These programs include courses in principles of energy conservation, instrumentation calibration, monitoring systems and test procedures, energy loss inspection procedures, energy conservation techniques, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
Engineering technology - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. These programs include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Industrial electronics technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. These programs include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Information technology
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the design of technological information systems, including computing systems, as solutions to business and research data and communications support needs. These programs include courses in the principles of computer hardware and software components, algorithms, databases, telecommunications, user tactics, application testing, and human interface design.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.